BiggerPockets

I just received my FIRST social security check! Only $704 because I didn't pay enuff taxes over the 42 years of filing returns.
Anyway, I took the retirement early and this is what I receive each month. Wifey and I decided we'd rather receive it and give it away each month, rather than have the govt piddle it away.
I'm looking for suggestions . We want to give it out in small amounts so it is no big deal. PM me with someone that could use a small contribution and why. Please, not to yourself or relative, etc. You're on your honor here. It would be sent anonomously to address given.
I have a couple other organizations that I've asked for suggestions also.
Josh- I haven't forgotten BP. I tried to send donation, but it didn't accept either credit card I tried. It kept wanting me to use paypal. When wifey wakes up, we'll try that way.
I noticed there were a lot of you missing from the donor list on BP. How about pitching in. It is worth it you know. Rich

What a great gesture, Rich! You're truly a gentleman in the classic sense of the Rockefeller's and Carnegie's who gave something back to the community rather than hoard every dime like the current cast of crooks running this country. I hope to be a position one day to follow in your steps.

I can give you a few charitable non-profits than my wife and I volunteer for, but is there a certain area you and your wife would prefer to focus on, such as children, animals, the homeless, the unemployed, etc.? Perhaps one way to turn that $704/month into $7,040/month is to invest into education somehow.

First - Thank you, Rich! That is an awesome way to give back to causes that truly need it.

2nd - if you really want to get the maximum benefit from your donation, I suggest that you limit the number of causes (fewer the better) that you donate to. Non profits actually spend a lot of money going after anyone that has donated in the past for repeat donations. For example, if you were to donate to 10 groups, they will all spend $$ trying to solicit you again next year.

Fortunately, i am blessed with two healthy children, but might I suggest your local children's hospital? There are a million needs to pick from (obviously) but this is where I donate.

Jeff

Before you go giving it away to charities that feed, clothe or whatever in the now, why not use it for our future, you know we're going to need it.

Find a non-profit, or even a for-profit for that matter, that teaches youth in middle school, high school and even college, the importance of self preservation and financial literacy.

I think with $700, a single person associated with an organization like this should be able to visit several different schools and provide plenty of education.

When I was 7th and 8th grade, we had a similar program in our school where a local business basically sponsored our class. They came in and talked about business and a lot of topics related to it. We also visited their operations which was super cool!!! I can't remember the name of the program but I remember in 7th grade it was Poore Brothers Potato chips, which is ultimately owned by a larger corporation that owns several brands(look up inventure group) and 8th grade was a smaller organization but very impressive when you learn about the guy, Hazelwoods enterprises. This guy, also named Rich, is a great entrepreneur. I know he has a bar and a restaurant equipment place. I also seem to remember he owns the place where the AZREIA holds their meetings. Anyways, I remember a lot about those programs and think something like that would be much more helpful than giving handouts to our current society members. The chosen one is already got that taken care of for ya Rich.

Rich,

I would just like to mention a VERY needy lady. She is about 60, disabled to the point of having to use a power chair to walk.

No relative of mine, just a very appreciative for any help internet friend. Have even met once in person and is VERY disabled,,has a trained service dog helper, alot like a blind person.

Was a homeowner and a teacher in the 'prison' system in middle California till about 8 years ago. 4 people there all got sick at about same time, they called it Vally Fever. The others got disability but her.

She lives in Arizona on $500 a month in a elderly/ handicapped place and pays most of her monthly on rent.

Breaks my heart when she has to decide whether she is going to buy needed medicine or food because not enough money.

Also a few times a month is so sick cant get out of bed.Spends her time typing on puter while laying flat,,,sometimes cant do even that,cant stand ANY noise or light.

When I traveled thru there last year I went to the grocery store and bought a frig full of food then.

Altho you may think its a small amount, it would probably assure her of food for about a year!!!!

thank you for reading this about this person everybody really cares about because she is always so positive, in spite of where she is.

Be well,

just don-

Hello Rich,
I also think it is sooo wonderful what you're doing here. May God contrinue to bless you and keep you. Have you considered investing this money into a cheap home to renovate and provide temporary housing to victims who lost their homes to fires, disasters or anything? For example are homes for as low as $2000-$3000 here and need minimal fix up. If you have those type of deals in your area, that may be an option. Whatever you decide, I know that is would be put to good use. Goodluck!

hi rich,
another great example that you set for other member of BP to follow. you are right when you say that it is better to give an individual then a group.
It is better to give it to someone who is really very needy something like don mentioned. GO WITH YOUR HEART.

Rich - This is great that you are looking to do this.

I second the Kiva.org suggestion. I would also recommend http://www.vittana.org/. It is a website using a microloan model for education.

I am currently living and teaching in Vietnam and many students are unable to afford opportunities to better themselves. This looks like a good way to help people.

I have account on both sites and have been happy with both of them.

So many great ideas and such an inspiration for all!

Like so many said, it may be a small amount to one, but a huge deal to someone else.

Remember the fable of the man who found a number of starfish washed up on the beach and dying in the hot sun. He ran over, picked one up, and tossed it back into the ocean before continuing on his way. His companion said, "There must be thousands of starfish on that beach. Throwing one back in won't make a difference." The man looks at his friend and replies, "It made a difference to THAT one."